Hosting holiday guests and feeling a little Home Alone chaos creeping in? If your living room is full of cousins, random snack requests, and no one seems to know who’s in charge, we’ve got a plan. These are our favorite Austin activities for entertaining out-of-towners, keeping kids busy, and restoring a tiny bit of sanity. Pair an activity with food (or combine them), and you’ll be leagues away from les incompetents. 😉
Activity + Lunch/Dinner Combo Ideas
— Ice Skating and Pho
Chaparral Ice and PhoNatic (Anderson Lane)
Follow up your family skate session with PhoNatic right next door! Check here for Chaparral’s open skate times and fill your bellies with PhoNatic goodness after.
Also, check out:
- More Places to Ice Skate in Austin
- Places for Vietnamese and Pho in Austin from our friends at Do512
- 10 Places for Great Soup
— Go-Karts and Dinner at The Domain
K1 Speed Austin | 2500 Mc Hale Ct
Kids and adults 48” or taller can race around the track for some friendly competition on go-karts. Follow it up with dinner at the Domain. We like the restaurants around the grassy courtyard where kids can play while parents sit at their tables like Joi Asian Bistro, Culinary Dropout, and Taverna.
Also, check out:
- Adventurous Activities for Thrill Seekers
- Family-Friendly Restaurants with Playgrounds
Photo Credit: (left) Half Price Books Facebook (right) Lick Honest Ice Cream Facebook– Comic Books and Hot Cocoa
Book Shopping + Ice Cream
Half Price Books and Lick Honest Ice Cream
Hit up Half Price Books on S. Lamar and roam their aisles for pre-owned books, records, comics, and more. Seeing their huge collection of pre-owned goodies is a treasure trove of wonder. Follow it up with a special seasonal treat like Peppermint Bark at Lick Honest Ice Creams at 1100 S Lamar Boulevard.
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More Ideas
— Bouldin Acres
Two locations: 1806 W Braker Ln | 2027 S Lamar Blvd
With an awesome food truck (complete with a kids’ menu), bar, and lawn games, Bouldin Acres has something for all ages. Pickleball is an activity the whole family can enjoy, and you can book your court in advance here. Please note: there is a playground at the South Lamar location.
— Movie House Eatery
Two Austin Locations here
With two locations in Austin, Movie House Eatery boasts super comfy chairs, excellent service, and pricey – but well worth it – food. They offer a terrific kids’ menu and half-priced movie tickets every Tuesday.
Also, check out:
— Alamo Draft House
Five Austin Locations Here
This Austin movie theater chain offers a dedicated kids’ menu and five Austin locations. Take the adults for grown-up milkshakes and the kids for one of our favorite grilled cheese sandwiches in Austin.
— Jester King Brewery
13187 Fitzhugh Rd
Fridays through Sundays, you can take the family to this special farm and brewery and be entertained for hours. With walking trails, friendly goats, and a food truck with excellent pizza, Jester King has something special for all ages. Check their menu, map, and hours here.
Also, check out:
— Oasthouse
The location with the playground is at The Trails at 620, 8300 N FM 620
With a gorgeous deck overlooking a massive playground, this locally sourced gastropub will give parents a few moments to enjoy a cocktail while the kids play and await their food. Oasthouse has a huge menu and an $8 kids’ menu. We give our props to the chef…and the clear view of the monkey bars.
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Let us know how you’re entertaining your out-of-town guests in the comments below!
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